March: On Death

March 28

Today's reflection was inspired by the poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen.

The textbooks and governments and politicians and propaganda outlets would all have you believe that it is sweet and fitting to die for one's country.

You are told that it is good to offer the one thing that is truly yours in this world—your life—so that borders may be maintained or expanded, trade agreements can be written, minerals can be acquired, oil can be bought and sold, vengeance can be exacted, and so that certain gods can be imposed over others—and typically at the behest of one man, or a few.

But do they tell you of the torture or brutal ends you might meet by bomb, bullet, fire, chemical, or other? Do they show you the face of those young humans crying and dying in foreign lands far from their parents and friends and homes? No, they do not show you the guttering, choking, drowning youths. Because why would they when they could instead tell you it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country?

Though, herein lies the question: Do you believe the old lie?

• Reflection title: Do You Believe the Old Lie?
• Creative inspiration: Wilfred Owen, "Dulce et Decorum Est"
• Reflection Question: Well, do you believe the old lie? If so, why? Or is it not so black and white?